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Minimum inhibitory concentration distribution in environmental Legionella spp. isolates.
Vassilios Sandalakis1, Dimosthenis Chochlakis1, Ioannis Goniotakis2
1Regional Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Journal of Water and Health
|December 5, 2014
Summary
This study determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of six common antimicrobials against environmental Legionella isolates from Greek hotels. Rifampicin showed the most potent activity, while tetracycline was least effective against these Legionella species.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Public health
Background:
- Legionella bacteria are a concern in hotel water systems, necessitating surveillance and treatment.
- Standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing is crucial for guiding treatment of Legionella infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions of environmental Legionella isolates against six commonly used antimicrobials.
- To assess the efficacy of these antimicrobials against various Legionella species found in hotel water systems in Crete, Greece.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected from 124 hotels in Crete between 2004 and 2011.
- Sixty-eight Legionella isolates, including L. pneumophila and other species, were tested using MIC-test methodology.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using buffered charcoal yeast extract agar with specific supplements and incubation conditions.
Main Results:
- A wide distribution of MICs was observed for all tested antibiotics and Legionella species.
- Rifampicin demonstrated the highest potency against all tested Legionella isolates.
- Tetracycline exhibited the least activity against the environmental Legionella isolates.
Conclusions:
- The MIC-test methodology provides an accessible way to determine antimicrobial susceptibility for environmental Legionella.
- Rifampicin is a potent agent for treating infections caused by these environmental Legionella species.
- These findings are important for managing Legionella risks in hospitality settings and guiding clinical treatment decisions.
